Licensing Blog

This week, the Alabama House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 445, sponsored by Andy Whitt, bringing the state one step closer to a comprehensive hemp regulation overhaul. Now awaiting Governor Kay Ivey’s signature, HB 445 promises to reshape Alabama’s hemp industry significantly. Supporters argue the bill’s measures are essential for protecting young Alabamians, while critics caution …

On May 1, 2025, New Hampshire’s Senate narrowly voted to table House Bill 198—a proposal that aimed to legalize cannabis possession and use for adults aged 21 and older. The 12–10 vote effectively ends this year’s push to roll back cannabis prohibition in the Granite State. Despite passing the House of Representatives earlier this year, HB 198 met resistance in …

North Carolina remains one of the few states without a regulated cannabis program—but that could soon change. Lawmakers are once again setting the stage for reform, with the North Carolina House of Representatives recently introducing House Bill 1011, titled the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act. Spanning 28 pages, the bill outlines the framework for a proposed medical cannabis program. While …

On April 7, 2025, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 219—officially titled the Medical Psilocybin Act—into law, making New Mexico the third state in the nation to establish a regulated psychedelic therapy program. Following in the footsteps of Oregon and Colorado, the Act opens the door for patients in New Mexico to access psilocybin for therapeutic use. Notably, New …

In 2024, Utah lawmakers unanimously passed Senate Bill 150—known as the Exercise of Religion Amendments—to establish a state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”). The legislation aimed to strengthen their constituents’ ability to challenge government actions that burden their religious beliefs or practices. What lawmakers likely didn’t anticipate, however, was that just eight (8) months later, the law would be invoked …

Not long ago, the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) confirmed in a letter that mushroom spores are legal in accordance with federal law as they are not a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). Although, the DOJ noted that once the spores grow into mushrooms and contain psilocybin, psilocin, and/or any of their salts, isomers, or …

On March 12, 2025, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (“FDACS”) new amendments to Rule 5K-4.034, Florida Administrative Code (“F.A.C”) went into effect. From packaging and labeling requirements to product development restrictions, Rule 5K-4.034 governs all consumable hemp products in the Sunshine State. With the amendments now in effect, it is crucial for operators to understand these changes …

It has been over two years since Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., signed Virgin Islands Cannabis Act into law — a pivotal move aimed at expanding the U.S. Virgin Islands’ cannabis industry and facilitating the expungement of certain cannabis-related convictions within the territory. Now, after nearly a year since the Governor approved the Office of Cannabis Regulations’ (“OCR”) final proposed regulations, …

Two months after Amendment 3 fell short of the required supermajority approval, Smart and Safe Florida is renewing its push to legalize recreational cannabis in the Sunshine State. This Tuesday, the campaign’s revised proposal was approved by the state Division of Elections, aiming for a spot on the 2026 ballot. However, with Governor Ron DeSantis (R) firmly opposing adult-use cannabis …

As Colorado kicks off 2025 by opening applications for psilocybin businesses, other states may soon follow suit. Nevada and Minnesota’s Psychedelics Task Forces have recommended implementing regulated psychedelic programs and reducing criminal penalties. Following the FDA’s denial of MAPS’ new drug application for MDMA-assisted therapy last year, state Task Force reports highlight a familiar divide: states are advancing faster than …